LOMARTOV is proud to announce a major milestone in the EX-AQUA project: the completion of a strategic roadmap that will guide algae farming research at the National Institute for Marine Research and Development ‘Grigore Antipa’ (NIMRD) in Romania. This action plan sets the foundation for developing sustainable marine algae aquaculture in the Black Sea region, an area with vast potential but currently limited aquaculture infrastructure.
As a key partner in EX-AQUA, LOMARTOV led the development of this roadmap with the goal of positioning NIMRD as a regional hub for innovation in marine biotechnology. The plan outlines a three-year strategy to build up scientific capacity, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement around macroalgae and microalgae cultivation, with a focus on environmental impact and circularity.
A Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture
The strategic roadmap offers a phased approach to algae aquaculture development:
- Year 1: Conduct baseline studies on native algae species, explore innovative cultivation techniques, and initiate AI-driven modelling tools.
- Year 2: Optimise production processes and assess industrial applications such as biofertilisers, biofuels, and nutraceuticals, through a circular economy lens.
- Year 3: Scale up operations, deploy environmental restoration pilots, and strengthen public outreach to raise awareness on algae’s ecological and economic value.
LOMARTOV’s Role
Our team brought its cross-cutting expertise in sustainability, ecodesign, and innovation strategy to develop a detailed and actionable strategic roadmap. The methodology combined sector analysis, stakeholder input, and future scenario planning, always keeping in mind the broader EU priorities such as the Green Deal, Blue Economy, and Farm to Fork Strategy.
This roadmap goes beyond guiding research: it offers a vision for the green transformation of Romania’s aquaculture sector, opening new pathways for regional cooperation, environmental protection, and economic resilience in the Black Sea.
